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Americans more likely to buy electric cars, AAA study finds

Americans are slowly warming up to electric cars. A new survey by AAA shows that 20% of Americans say their next vehicle will be an electric car. That's up from 15% in the same survey a year earlier, the first time that AAA asked the question.

A new AAA survey finds 20% of Americans say their next vehicle will be an electric car. That's up from 15% in 2017, the first time that AAA asked the question.

It's particularly good news for Tesla as the company ramps up production of its first mass-market electric car, the Model 3. It also bodes well for General Motors, which offers a mid-priced long-range electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt; and Nissan, with its newer long-range version of the Leaf.

One big reason that Americans are becoming more likely to consider buying an electric car: concerns about running out of electricity are diminishing.

Some 58% said it was a concern that would prevent them from buying an electric car, marking a decline from 68% in 2017.

"Range anxiety is less of a concern than it has been in the past," said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering for AAA, the organization once known as the American Automobile Association.

Of the 30 million calls that AAA receives every year for roadside assistance, very few involved members stranded because their electric-car battery was out of juice, Brannon said.

"People rarely, rarely run out of charge when they’re on the road, so it’s kind of an unfounded fear," he said. "People who own an electric vehicle are very aware of their range and plan their trip accordingly."

Battery-powered vehicles are still a niche segment of the automotive industry.

Sales of pure electric vehicles — which don't use any gasoline — totaled about 104,000 vehicles in 2017. That was up 24% but still represented less than 1% of the market, according to HybridCars.com.

High prices are one key reason. Tesla's Model 3, for example, starts at $35,000. While that is about half the starting price of its two luxury models, it's still pricey and upgrades can bring the compact sedan's price to more than $50,000.

Federal and local tax credits can help partially offset the higher sticker price of electric cars.

Increasing gas prices could also persuade more people to buy electric cars. The national average last week hit levels not seen since November 2014, according to consumer information app GasBuddy. The price averaged $2.81 on Monday, up 46 cents from a year ago, according to AAA.

Lower maintenance costs on electric cars, which don't need oil changes and have fewer parts than conventional engines, are another key reason why some consumers are considering making the switch, Brannon said.

But charging times are still too long for many people.

In the AAA survey, 68% said that no more than 30 minutes of charge time would be reasonable while they're out and about.

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The Chevrolet Bolt EV is shown on stage at the 2017 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2017 in Detroit. It has a range of 238 miles and starts at $36,495, according to Chevrolet.
Bill Pugliano, Getty Images

Visitors look at a Smart Fortwo Electric Drive car at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show on Sept. 12, 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany. It has a range of 58 miles and starts at $23,900, according to Smart.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President of Global Product Development discusses the Ford Focus Electric vehicle at the Ford Motor Co.'s Michigan Assembly Plant December 14, 2011 in Wayne, Michigan. It has a range of 115 miles and starts at $29,120, according to Ford.
Bill Pugliano, Getty Images

A 2018 Honda Clarity is displayed at the New York International Auto Show on April 12, 2017 in New York. It has a range 89 miles and is only available for lease, according to Honda.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images

The Fiat 500e Electric Car is on display at the 2017 LA Auto Show on November 30, 2017 in Los Angeles. It has a range of 84 miles and starts at $32,995, according to Fiat.
FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images